It's Bill, 6/21/26: Lubec Community Together

Music at the Brew Pub

Lubec’s community came together Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, at Gale White’s Lubec Brewing Company. Saturday at the Pub was just plain fun, with a foot-stomping performance by the band, “Creosote,” from Machias. Three musicians, guitar, harmonica, and vocals, performed their original music and lyrics from 3–5 PM.

“Creosote” has played before at the Brew Pub to many followers of the band, both from Lubec and the Machias area. Their music is just right to drink beer and chat with friends. Creosote’s music has an ever-changing balance of instruments and voices. My favorite sound is the guitarist stomping the hollow wood platform to produce perfect drum beats.

Readings and Reminiscences

Lubec gathered again at Noon until five on Sunday, June 14, at the Brew Pub for a Literary Tribute to J.D. Rule and Sineidin O’Niall. Both writers were memorialized at the Lubec Legion a few weeks earlier. From 12–2, we had Readings and Reminiscences for John and Sineidin. The program started with Charles Kniffin, a writer himself, as the Master of Ceremonies. Chuck and John had spent some good times in the Brew Pub, discussing their craft over a few pints. Chuck read some of his favorite excerpts from John’s many books, setting a fine casual tone for our remembrances.

Author, master of ceremonies, and everyone’s friend, Charles Kniffin guided the afternoon with warmth, humor, and memories of two beloved members of Lubec’s literary community.

There were four other readers of John’s writings, least of which was me! It’s Bill! I was pleased to be chosen to read J.D. Rule’s Quoddy Tides newspaper article about how the McCurdy Smokehouse’s Brining Shed floated away on January 4, 2018. Coincidentally, the Brining Shed was just across Water Street from where we were sitting. The scene of the crime!

On January 4, 2018, the brining shed was lifted off its pilings in the afternoon by an extreme high tide following the storm surge. Over several days, it traveled past the Roosevelt Bridge to beach itself on Campobello’s Fox Farm mudflats. John detailed its voyage, following up with a history of the Brining Shed and McCurdy’s Smokehouse. The article concluded with a then-ongoing discussion of salvage rights and reclamation. Of course, my favorite part was reading to an audience. After all, It’s Bill!!

It’s Bill! Reading J.D. Rule’s memorable story of the McCurdy Smokehouse brining shed that broke free during the January 2018 storm and drifted across the bay to Campobello Island.

Following John, Sineidin’s writings were read by four readers. I had never read her writing; however, I was favorably impressed and plan to purchase a book. From 2–5, Sineidin’s string group presented a Musical Tribute similar to their afternoon performance at the Memorial at The Legion.

The Strength of Community

The strength of community in Lubec shone throughout the afternoon. All guests and presenters were smiling, remembering J.D. and Sineidin. We could feel their presence, knowing that we are forever friends in Lubec, in writing, music, and life. It was a day we will never forget, a wonderful day. Together.

Special Thanks

I am extending special thanks to Sheila Post, a friend of John and a writer, who organized and promoted this special afternoon. Sheila is a member of the Lubec Chapter of the MWPA, Maine Writers and Publishers Association. The MWPA met after hours at The Lubec Brewing Company.

Thank you, Gale.

Organizer, storyteller, singer, and source of wisdom and enchantment, Sheila Post helped bring the afternoon together. Through her readings, music, and friendship, she honored the Celtic spirit she shared with Sineidin O’Niall.

Host Gale White reflects on the life of a beloved friend and music teacher, reminding us how deeply friendship, music, and community are woven into the story of Lubec.